What Is Aromatherapy?

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According to the National Association for Holistic Aromatherapy (NAHA), aromatherapy is the art and science of utilizing naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of the body, spirit and mind. It explores the physiological, spiritual and physical realm of a person’s response to certain smells. It is a natural, non-evasive treatment used as a way to improve the healing process or to treat specific ailments. Aromatherapy identified as holistic medicine by the NAHA is used for both preventative treatment options as well as active treatment for acute and chronic stages of disease.

Dating as far back as 2700 B.C., aromatherapy was used by ancient Chinese civilizations in religious ceremonies. Ancient Egyptians extracted oils from aromatic plants and used them for medical practices, including embalming. They were also used for cosmetic purposes. India and Greece also reflect heavy reliance on herbs and oils in their history of medicine practices.

The science of aromatherapy was officially founded in the late 1920’s by a French chemist, Rene-Maurice Grattefosse. This chemist first learned of essential oil benefits by accident. He burned his arm severely while working in a lab and thrust it into a vat of lavender oil. When he recovered quickly from the burn, he began to study and analyze the chemical properties of oils and there use to treat ailments. They were used to treat wounded soldiers during World War I.

Aromatherapy has many benefits but is not a replacement for modern medicine. Some of the most common ailments that aromatherapy is used to treat include: headaches, insomnia, depression, asthma, burns, minor wounds, toenail fungal infections, chemotherapy-induced nausea, post radiation burns and some attention deficit hyperactivity disorders. Aromatherapy is used as a complementary therapy, not an alternative to conventional medicine.

Recent studies have also shown that essential oils have a positive impact on memory, concentration and alertness. According to The Wavelengths Natural Health wed site which is a site created to be a resource of aromatherapy research, a study was done in which participants underwent a series of cognitive tests. While being tested, they were exposed to a relaxing essential oil (lavender), a stimulating essential oil (rosemary) and no odor. Results showed those exposed to the lavender showed a decrease in memory performance. Those exposed to rosemary showed enhanced memory in comparison to the control group. However the speed of memory recall was in decreased in both test groups.

In addition to these experiments, sage oil-filled capsules were given to a group of young adults, as well as placebos to another group. Both were given word-recall tests and those who took the sage bills performed significantly better. The strong or sharp-smelling essential oils improve alertness and concentration. Essential oils like peppermint and eucalyptus are stimulating and help you stay awake and focus on tasks.

These essential oils are highly concentrated aromatic extracts. They are distilled from a variety of plant materials including grass, twigs, leaves, wood, fruit peels and roots. It is important to get the right oil. Lavender has three different types. One is a relaxant, one is a stimulant and one is like an antibiotic. There are 40 types of basil and 400 different types of eucalyptus. It is important to know the botanical name, where it came from, how it was extracted and how long it has been sitting on the shelf.

You can experiment with different essential oils by yourself but if you have a specific problem, seek out a clinical aroma therapist. They should be a Certified Clinic Aromatherapy Practitioner (CCAP). Problems usually treated with over the counter medicines are the same problems aromatherapy at home may help alleviate. The severity of the ailment should affect your decision on whether or not you should attempt to self treat.

If you have a headache, try smelling peppermint. If the headache is sinus related this may alleviate it. If you headache is from tension, try rubbing forehead with undiluted lavender and then inhale. Lavender is the most popular essential oil. It is relaxing and also under in treating wounds, burns and skin care. Other popular oils include:
• Eucalyptus: helpful in treating respiratory problems like coughs, colds and asthma. Helps to boost the immune system and relieve muscle tension.
• Ylang Ylang: helps to relax and reduce muscle tension; good antidepressant.
• Geranium: helps balance hormones in women, good for balancing the skin
• Peppermint: useful in treating headaches, muscle aches and digestive disorders.
• Lemon: uplifting and relaxing, helpful in treating wounds and infections
• Clary Sage: natural pain killer, helpful in treating muscle pains and aches. It is very relaxing and is used for treating insomnia
• Tea Tree: a natural anti-fungal oil, good for treating a variety of fungal infections including vaginal yeast infections, athlete’s foot, jock itch and ringworm.
• Roman Chamomile: relaxing and help with sleeplessness and anxiety
• Rosemary: stimulating and uplifting, good for mental stimulation and to stimulate to immune system. Very good for muscle aches and tension.

Aromatherapy is gaining popularity and credibility. By learning about all the different essential oils and their uses and benefits, they can be used instead of over the counter medication. They can also limit the need of antibiotics and over-prescribed drugs. The essential oils are easy to find and easy to use and most importantly successful.

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